How Minimalism Benefits Introverts In Some Very Targeted Ways

I’ve talked a great deal about how keeping clutter-free spaces can help with mental health; it can help with things like depression and anxiety and it can even be a support system. Often I’ve said that this was the number one reason I started practicing minimalism and clutter-free living – wanting to have that built-in support system at home.

I’ve also shared that the most important three reasons to take on clutter-free living are support, freedom, and personal growth. What I haven’t yet talked about, however, is how this lifestyle impacts and relates to being an introvert – which I am.

I’ve noticed that many people who are into minimalism- especially those who blog about it or share it publicly- are self-proclaimed introverts.

I think that’s quite interesting and I don’t believe that it’s happenstance. There’s a reason why so many of us who are drawn to this lifestyle happen to be introverted. (Now, I’m not saying that as a blanket statement. Of course, I believe clutter-free living is excellent for all people! But I do notice that many who get really into it are also introverts).

I’m just coming off of a very public launch for my course “Clutter Cure,” and I’m pretty drained. Every single time I come out from some type of extroverted-type event, I’m exhausted. It’s actually one of the reasons I only offer open enrollment once or twice a year.

I like to bundle up that energy and show up really well for two to four weeks per year! The rest of the time, I can be more comfortable and relaxed and chat with you all like this. All of this to say that, as someone who’s in the process of recouping that energy I’m noticing somehow minimalism benefits introverts in some very targeted ways.

Introvert Vs. Extrovert

There’s a big misconception about what being an introvert or an extrovert actually is. Many people believe that being an introvert means that you’re shy or don’t like social situations, which is not true.

People tend to picture this hermit-like character or persona often associated with having a more introverted nature. I have always been a pretty hardcore introvert and I LOVE people.

There are people out there who are way more well-versed in the differences between being an introvert and an extrovert, but I can give you a rudimentary level idea of what it means and what it has to do with how you gain your energy.

Extroverts

Some people get energized being in social situations, and being surrounded by people, and they flourish in a social environment. One of my daughters is this way. If she’s not around her friends or in some social situation for a while she starts getting a bit depressed. This is very common for people who are natural extroverts. They draw their energy and life force from other people and social situations.

Introverts

On the other hand, introverts lose their energy. We become drained after large amounts of visibility and social interactions and just being around other people. It’s not that it isn’t enjoyable to do those things – I enjoy every webinar that I’ve ever done. 

I went live on Instagram a lot last week and I enjoyed the social interaction. It’s one of the few times of the year where I get to have more of a back and forth dialogue with students, subscribers to my channel, and people on my email list, which I enjoy. I appreciate those times for what they are, but I still feel completely drained every time I do it.

Every single time I do it, I’m like, ‘Oh my God, I need to take a nap!’ That’s just because, as an introvert, I lose my energy in these types of social situations. There is a large percentage of the population who feels and experiences energy patterns in this same way.

Introverts Need A Space To Regenerate Energy

What do you do whenever you’re drained or tired? You withdraw, you go into your comfort zone, and you try to rest and recuperate. That’s what I do. That’s probably the best thing to do – connect to something that helps you recharge.

This is a major reason why minimalism benefits introverts so much. You don’t want to come back to a place that’s a total disaster. Then, you’re having to expend extra energy trying to pick up and maintain your space when you’re already spent.

First of all, you don’t have the extra energy to do this (that’s why you’re trying to recharge and rest in the first place).

Second, it prevents you from being able to refill quite as much because now you have all of these visual distractions and extra concerns added to your already depleted mental energy.

Now, this is somewhat true for all people. When you feel burnt out or exhausted (for any number of reasons) you need to have a supportive space. But it’s especially relevant to introverts who enter these low-energy patterns more frequently.

In addition to the things you’re already struggling with, it’s just nice to have (for introverts especially) that cozy haven to come back to.

Minimalism Helps Strengthen Those Deeper Relationships

I’ve found that, once I feel completely socially depleted, I don’t have much energy and patience left for the people who are in this bubble with me- my fiance and kids. I become much less gracious with the people around me and my threshold for normal conversation lowers.

I just don’t have the energy to be invested in those things and any additional stress- like things being left out on the counter and people not picking up after themselves- adds even more tension to those relationships.

So, it helps to have a space to come back to that is replenishing and clutter-free. Then I’m not struggling with the other people in the household. I’m also able to rejuvenate myself so that I’m more pleasant to be around which strengthens those deeper relationships. It’s a win-win!

Minimalism Supports An Introspective Process

There is a difference in how an introvert versus an extrovert processes information and how we think through things. There’s a connection between being an introvert and being a highly introspective person- someone who needs to go into their brain and just exist in it for a bit.

Figuring things out, analyzing, sorting them where they belong, etc. is an essential mental process for introverts to move through.

Anytime I take out my bullet journal it’s an introspective process for me. I couldn’t be “out there” (socially) all the time, I wouldn’t function. I would put out work that would be shotty at best. Relationships and interactions that I have with people would go down the drain.

So, I function far better as a person when I’m able to be more introspective, drawing into my mind, not just my own space. Having that space that’s clear and not visually and physically distracting is key to doing that.

Minimalism benefits introverts by being able to withdraw mentally and have a clear mind. I’ve said many times that one of my favorite daily benefits of minimalism is mental clarity.

Minimalism Promotes Mental Clarity

Don’t you hate themental fog? Not knowing what your next step will be or not knowing what direction you’re going?

That mental clarity- having a clear idea, a clear thought, and a clear view is essential. Like most introverts, I spend a great deal of time living in my mind. It needs to be clear in there!

And our environments and minds are a feedback loop- they impact each other constantly. Your environment is a reflection of your mind and your environment also greatly impacts your mental state in return. A clear space = a clear mind. 😌

So, again, minimalism benefits introverts in some very targeted ways. I can totally understand why so many people who are chatting about minimalism also happen to be introverted.

For those of you out there who are introverts, who really can resonate with feeling depleted quite often, just functioning as a family member, a community member, a coworker, or as another member of society, having a space at home that you can withdraw to can be so beneficial. 

I hope this helps. I hope that you’re going to go and make some amazing sweet restorative spaces inside your home right now!